The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the physical assault and threats directed at the journalistic team of Provjereno, a programme produced by Nova TV, during the filming of a report on long-term environmental destruction along the Una River in Croatia.
On Saturday, 10 May 2025, journalist Danka Derifaj and cameraman Miroslav Bokan were attacked while reporting from the Štrbački buk area. A couple who have for years illegally occupied and damaged public land refused to speak to the journalists and instead launched into verbal abuse and intimidation. The situation escalated when they physically assaulted the crew—first targeting the cameraman, then the journalist, who was struck in the face while trying to calm the situation.
According to a statement from the Lika-Senj County Police Department, a 65-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman, both Croatian nationals, have been arrested and charged with Coercion Against a Person Performing Duties of Public Interest or in Public Service. They have been handed over to the custody of the competent authorities.
We welcome the swift response by the Croatian police and emphasize the importance of implementing the Protocol on Police Conduct in Cases Involving Criminal Offences Against Journalists, signed by the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia, the Croatian Journalists’ Association, and the Trade Union of Croatian Journalists.
Nonetheless, this disturbing incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by journalists in the region—especially when reporting on issues of public interest, including corruption, illegal activities, and abuse of public property.
The SafeJournalists Network urges the Croatian authorities to ensure a prompt and transparent investigation and to prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law. A strong institutional response is essential to curbing the growing climate of impunity and intimidation that journalists increasingly face.
Journalists must not become targets for doing their jobs—jobs that serve the public and uphold democracy.
Every attack on a journalist is an attack on freedom of expression, the public’s right to know, and the foundations of democratic society.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, 13 May 2025
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
